Floyd Mayweather fires referee after bizarre call in John Gotti III rematch in Mexico
Former world champion Floyd Mayweather made light work of John Gotti III after a bizarre call prompted a referee swap mid-bout.
The last time the pair faced off, in 2023, a riot ensued when the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round. Gotti was eventually disqualified for his actions, prompting a rematch.
Two rounds into the rematch on Sunday, the battle looked to be heading for a similar outcome before a bizarre call saw Mayweather appeal for a new referee.
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With a minute remaining in the second round, Mayweather fired one of his signature punches that landed on the ear of the grandson of a former mafia boss only for the referee to step in and deem it illegal.
A dispute erupted in the ring with the boxing icon seemingly sacking the official in order to continue with the fight.
"That is not a back of the head shot," a DAZN commentator said.
"That's a hook, it's a hook from long distance. How can that be a behind the head shot?"
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) and John Gotti III exchange punches during their exhibition fight. Anadolu via Getty Images
The two corners looked to be getting involved from the sides as referee Hector Afu exited the ring.
He was quickly replaced by Mexican official Alfredo Uruzquieta.
Afu was reportedly angered by Mayweather's protests after deeming a left hook on Gotti to be illegal.
However, Mayweather, who retired from boxing in 2017 with an unbeaten record, went on to dominate the fight in front of the 22,000 stacked crowd.
